“Maybe it was a group of teens looking for trouble,” Shelby offered.
Maurice shook his head. “Teenaged boys would’ve eaten their way through the donuts and cookies.”
“None of the displays were touched,” Amelie said. “Just the drawers below. They were pulled out and dumped on the floor.”
“Stewie, are you finished here?” Shelby asked the other deputy.
“Yes, ma’am,” the tall, lanky man replied. “I’m heading out. “Are you going to be all right, Ms. Aubert? Do you need a place to stay tonight?”
Amelie pushed a hand through her hair. “I’m all right.”
“She’ll be staying with me,” Shelby announced.
“No.” Amelie held up a hand. “I’ll stay in my own place. Besides, I need to dive in, clean, organize, make a plan and a grocery list. I can’t afford to be closed for too long.”
Shelby crossed her arms over her chest. “You can’t stay here alone.”
“It’s not like I’ll sleep,” Amelie said. “I’ll be awake, alert and ready to take anyone down who tries anything funny.”
Shelby snorted. “And if he comes back, what are you going to do? Hit him with a fist-sized wad of pastry dough?”
Amelie’s lips quirked. “Maybe.”
“You can’t stay here alone,” Shelby persisted.
“I’ll be with her,” Maurice said.
Amelie frowned. “I don’t need?—”
Maurice touched one of his big fingers to her lips, liking how soft they were. “The right response is thank you. “No” is not an option.”
Amelie met his gaze. “Okay, I know when I’m arguing with a stone wall.” Her lips twisted into a wry grin. “To tell the truth, it would be nice to have someone who has my back. Fair warning, though... I’ll be working all night.”
“Can’t you let it be for the night?” Shelby asked.
“No,” Amelie said. “Right now, I’m too upset to consider sleep. Working and keeping busy is what I need. Making food, even desserts, is my therapy. The sooner I can clean up the evidence of destruction and get back to what I do best, the better.”
Shelby focused on Maurice. “You’ll stay all night?”
He nodded. “We’ll be okay. I have a pistol in my truck. I’ll bring it in for protection.”
“I’d still rather Amelie came home with me,” Shelby murmured.
Amelie touched her friend’s arm. “Thanks for caring.”
“I don’t like it,” Shelby said. “If you need anything, call 911 and then me.
“Got it,” Amelie said. “Now, go home to your baby.”
Shelby smiled. “He’s such an angel when he’s asleep.” Her smile twisted. “Then he wakes up and keeps me on my toes all day long. I go to work now to get rest.”
Amelie laughed. “And you wouldn’t trade him for the world.”
“No,” Shelby said. “I love that little guy. And I love Remy. I don’t know how I ever lived without them.” She glanced at her watch. “I’ll check in with you tomorrow. You’ll be safe with Maurice. He’s one of the good guys.”
Shelby’s departure left Amelie standing alone with Maurice. “You really don’t have to stay. I can manage the cleanup on my own.”
“It’s already settled. I’m staying,” he said. “Where do you want to start? In the shop or your apartment?
